Synergistic effect of metformin and doxorubicin on the metastatic potential of T24 cells.

BACKGROUND: The motor ability of cancer cells to cross the basement membrane contributes to their implantation in a new location. Metastasis is a significant factor that worsens the prognosis of cancer patients. Thus, reducing cell invasiveness is an important aspect of anticancer therapy, also in bladder cancer treatment.

MATERIAL: The study material was the T24 cell line of human urinary bladder cancer. The migratory potential of the cells and the effect of the treatment with individually doses and synergistic combination of doxorubicin and metformin in the 500:1 ratio for 24 h were analyzed.

RESULTS: The results obtained show a compound-initiated decrease in the motor abilities of bladder cancer cells compared to controls. A decrease in the rate of colony formation was observed, as well as inhibition of migration through inserts. The visualized reorganization of the vimentin and actin networks confirms the drug-initiated limitation of the metastatic potential of T24 cells.

CONCLUSION: According to our knowledge, we are the first to show, that combination of doxorubicin and metformin also worth considering in the treatment of bladder cancer. We showed that simultaneous administration of these cytostatic enhances the antiproliferative effect of drugs, but also limits cells' migratory potential.